The Foundational Questions Institute (FQXi) is an educational organization that seeks to support research regarding the foundations of physics and cosmology. FQXi is especially interested in supporting unconventional research that would provide a deeper understanding of reality, which it claims is generally underfunded. ¹

Activities

FQXi has five stated goals, which ultimately focus on expanding scientific inquiry and research into unconventional subjects. FQXi claims that research like this is largely underfunded because it is nonmainstream or viewed as high risk or speculative. FQXi aims for this research to provide the public with a better understanding of its discoveries about reality, potentially altering worldviews. ²

FQXi’s research areas include cosmology, quantum foundations, and technology. FQXi members are currently studying the structure of the universe and have posited the theory of inflationary expansion, which, if it did occur, likely created many universes. FQXi members are also studying Quantum Darwinism and the philosophy of the many-worlds interpretation, which implies that there are an infinite number of universes. FQXi grantees are furthering research on the limits of quantum superposition and entanglement by conducting experiments using existing hardware in innovative ways. ³

Funding

The John Templeton Foundation provided a seed grant to FQXi for its first four years of operation. Additionally, FQXi is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. ⁴

Grantmaking

In an effort to focus on education and outreach, FQXi directs grants through a donor advised fund (DAF) at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. FQXi offers mini-grants to its members and large grants to researchers and outreach specialists worldwide. FQXi works with the DAF to advise on and monitor its grants and grantees. ⁵

People

Max Tegmark is a co-founder and associate scientific director of FQXi. Tegmark sits on the board of the Future of Life Institute. ⁶

Anthony Aguirre is a co-founder and associate scientific director of FQXi. Aguirre is also a co-founder of the Future of Life Institute and Metaculus. ⁷

Amanda High is the chief of strategic initiatives at the Reinvestment Fund. High formerly worked for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, the U.S. Department of State, and the National Philanthropic Trust. ⁸

Sarah Hreha is the executive vice president of the Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation and the executive director of the Gruber Foundation at Yale University. ⁹

Kavita Rajanna is the managing director of FQXi. ¹⁰

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2. “About FQXi.” FQXi, 2022. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://fqxi.org/about.
3. FQXi Brochure.” FQXi, 2022. Accessed August 22, 2022. https://fqxi.org/FQXi_Brochure.pdf.
4. “How is FQXi financed?” FQXi, 2022. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://fqxi.org/about/faq/financed.
5. “Grants.” FQXi, 2022. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://fqxi.org/grants.
6. “Team.” Future of Life Institute. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://futureoflife.org/team/.
7. “Anthony Aguirre.” Anthony Aguirre, 2019. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.anthony-aguirre.com/.
8. “Amanda High.” Reinvestment Fund, 2022. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.reinvestment.com/people/amanda-high/.
9. “A. Sarah Hreha.” The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation. Accessed August 18, 2022. http://www.ppgruberfoundation.org/html/hreha.html.
10. “Who is FQXi?” FQXi, 2022. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://fqxi.org/who.